THE BG NEWS
HOT AND READY The BG football team will be traveling back to Ford Field Dec. 27 for the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl. They will play the Atlantic-Coast conference opponent University of Pittsburgh Panthers without head coach Dave Clawson Page 2.
ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Volume 93, Issue 50
Smoking ban to take effect in January
Nicotine cravers will have to get fix in designated areas along parking lots next semester or get reported Jill Carr
By Danae King Editor-in-Chief
Kelsey Vandenberg smoked outside of the Union on Tuesday, but after break, she’ll have to snuff out her cigarette if she’s in the same spot. The Clean Air Policy will go into effect Jan. 1 and smokers will have to be in a designated smoking area to light up. The closest receptacle to the Union is across Thurstin Avenue. “I just think it is unnecessary,” Vandenberg said of the policy. “It’s
Vice President of Student Affairs
making a problem out of something that doesn’t have to be a problem.” The policy was approved by the Board of Trustees in June and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014. The policy states that students, faculty, staff and visitors must go to designated areas, usually in
parking lots, to smoke. “The majority of our community members said they wanted this,” said Jill Carr, vice president of Student Affairs. “It’s all about health-related issues.” This semester has been about educating the campus community about the new policy. The University put stickers on sidewalks around campus, made a website about the policy and sent out emails to let students, faculty and staff know about the policy, said Michael Ginsburg, associate dean
of students. Freshman Heather Brown said she hadn’t heard about the policy but is glad it’s happening. “I would love it if they just banned it in general,” she said. Brown doesn’t smoke herself and said it hasn’t been a big problem at the University but it does bother her when she’s walking around campus. The University has gotten a lot of
See SMOKE | Page 5
WWW.BGNEWS.COM
CAMPUS brief
University to award 1,042 diplomas The University will award 1,042 diplomas on Saturday during commencement. Those awards include 27 doctoral degrees, 164 master’s degrees, 73 associate degrees and 768 bachelor’s degrees, according to a University press release. Jeffrey Boutelle, president and CEO of Beech-Nut Nutrition baby food company, and Robert Clasen, a cable industry pioneer, will be speaking to graduates during Friday’s and Saturday’s ceremonies respectively, according to the release. Commencement will be hosted at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Stroh Center.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
The BG News reflects on notable events from this semester Racially-charged tweets spawn Call To Action — Oct. 7
After a Twitter user with the handle of @PatFalcon sent a flurry of racially charged tweets aimed at the Black Student Union, the group formed Call to Action, which aims to raise awareness about diversity. The group formed a resolution for Undergraduate Student Government asking for support, but it was tabled.
Falcon health center opens — Aug. 19
The new $5 million center is a collaboration between the University and Wood County Hospital, with plans to improve and expand health services for students. The center offers psychiatric services, radiology, a drive-thru pharmacy and a lab for blood draw and urine analysis.
Fracking amendment fails — Nov. 5
The city quashed an amendment to the city charter to ban fracking during election day. The city expressed concern that certain parts of the amendment would raise utility rates by 80 percent and harm existing businesses. The amendment was defeated 3,549 to 1,194 votes.
Elizabeth Smart visits University — Nov. 5 Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart spoke on campus about her nine-month captivity in 2002 and overcoming the trauma of that experience. Smart’s visit was meant to inspire students and was part of the “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories” speaker series by University Libraries.
Peregrine Falcon pilfered from Life Sciences Building — Nov. 8 - 13
University terminates 30 faculty contracts Dec. 1
A 100-year-old taxidermied falcon was stolen from the Life Sciences Building, drawing regional attention due to the fact that the falcon is the University’s mascot. The falcon was returned on Nov. 15.
The University cut 30 non-tenure faculty for Fall 2014. An additional 12 were let go on one-year terminal contracts, totalling 42. The University made the cuts due to lower enrollment in certain departments and to boost faculty salaries to stay competitive with other colleges, said Provost Rodney Rogers.
Football team wins MAC Championship - Dec. 6
The Falcons upset Northern Illinois University, ranked 14th in the nation, in a landslide victory of 47-27. It was the first time since 1992 that the University won the title. The Falcons face Pitt in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl on Dec. 26.
Melt Shoppe opens after two month delay
EXAM SERIES 3: PLACES TO STUDY Staying in to study in residence halls There’s no place like home and the saying is true when studying for finals as well. While some students might live off-campus, there is a big group that lives in the residence halls. These places provide spaces where students can study. Some of these places include student lounges, computer labs and classrooms, said Director of Residence Life Sarah Waters. “Some have classrooms that are available in the evening where they can work at,” she said. “These have
tables where students can spread out.” Waters recommends students study where they will be most effective. “In residence halls, they have all the resources they need right there,” she said. “They can study in their rooms or in the lounge, where they can pull up their laptops and not have to brave the weather.” She also said that the place a student studies is unique. “In their room, there might be distractions,” Waters said. “For some, that might be a perfect place where they can get the support they need. They just need to know what they need to study. For others, they might
need to listen to music.” However, the places provided are primarily available only to the students who live in the residence halls. “The main lobby is open for anyone but any of the upper floors and labs provided are for current residence students because their funds paid for those things,” Waters said. The halls have taken into consideration that students will be studying, so in order to help they have extended quiet hours, Waters said. “We did this to help promote a quiet environment,” she said. “We hope students do well so they come back next spring.”
Restaurant offers Prohibition style decor, milkshakes, malts By Kathryne Rubright Reporter
The newly opened Melt Shoppe offers a mix of old and new, with a Prohibition theme and tablets that show guests their options. “It’s this idea of taking different elements and creating a fun mix.” said owner Ammar
TODAY VS ALL TIME
BEST PARENTS?
We compared 2013’s top selling album, movie, book and artist single to that of all time. Check out the full chart with different fun facts from each category in Pulse. | PAGE 6
Assistant Photo Editor Alyssa Benes talks about how her relationship with her parents is a friendship rather than a normal child-parent relationship. | PAGE 4
Mufleh. Colleen Jenkins, director of hospitality, said Melt Shoppe, which opened Tuesday, aims to provide fine dining, yet offer food everyone can afford. Melt Shoppe was originally going to open in October or
See MELT | Page 5
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST OVER BREAK? “Family vacation.” Maryah Schmitz Sophomore, Sport Management